My Adventure – It Continues …

So where were we? Ah, that’s right – still in St Helens.

So on Saturday we ventured out to do some trout fishing at a local fishery. After a very steep and windy 40 minute drive we eventually spotted the sign for the place – which I must say pleased me because although scenic, the road did get a bit hairy at times. After an additional couple of hundred metres we arrived at our destination. CLOSED TODAY. I did question the navigator if it was open everyday – “yes, it says so on this brochure.” I checked my phone – CLOSED INDEFINITELY. I asked to see the brochure and immediately asked the navigator what he thought the big Texta cross out of the attraction meant – apparently he hadn’t seen that! So back the way we came – fishless! Although we did stop at amazing Sideling Lookout which has beautiful views back to Scottsdale and Mt Stronach. Still no fish though.

Sunday, a sheepish navigator assured the driver that both destinations are a goer today. So off we go (driver did do a quick web search – just incase). We went to a lovely Cheese Factory in Pyengana – we ended up having lunch there. Dad and I both agreed that our burgers (chicken and beef) were a couple of the best burgers we have ever had, they were simply delicious. And the view wasn’t half bad either. A must visit if you like ya food. We then headed a short distance to St Columba Falls. You could see the top of the falls from the car park – they seemed a far way away. They weren’t, they were just BIG. After a short 20 minute walk from the carpark (easy trekking) we arrived. On reaching the river bed we were spoilt to a cool grotto with this amazing waterfall chucking down litres of water over the rocks far below. What amazed us on reading the information signs was that the falls were probably only flowing at about 25% capacity and would usually be roaring over the rocks and we wouldn’t get anywhere near the river bed.

Monday saw the start of the day with yours truly not feeling so flash (BDOSB – Big Dopey Old Sick Bloke), but you only live once and we headed off to the Bay of Fires. Now I had seen photos of this place before but never been here. We travelled the short distance north of St Helens and headed for a beach known as Cosy Corner (the best one apparently as recommended by several seasoned travellers). After a couple of wrong turns (who needs GPS right?) we found the turn off and quite frankly regretted not using this as our base in St Helens – will again if I get the chance though.

We walked onto a golden beach – the sea was a vivid blue (even on an overcast day) and was a lot rougher than previous beaches we have visited on the Apple Isle – a couple of surfers were tackling the waves and a lovely couple were trying their luck at some beach fishing (and having no luck).

A short walk along the beach brought me to the first example of the amazing orange rocks that give Bay of Fires its name. The huge granite rocks are coloured by an orange lichen. Lichens are a combination of algae and fungus that live together in a symbiotic relationship. The algae provides food by photosynthesis, while the fungus provides a protected environment for the algae. Anyway however it works – IT WORKS. I think I may have found a colour for me for now and its orange. The photos don’t do it justice – you just need to get your arse down here one day. Trust me you won’t regret it.

Next on the agenda was Halls Fall – or as the navigator like calling it “Halls Balls”. The track down to the main “pond” of this picturesque place is fairly easy walking. To get down to the main riverbed you need to be reasonably fit (or a mountain goat). The pond was lovely – the water dark with tea tree tannins. The riverbed was even more spectacular. As I was the only one brave (or stupid) enough to venture down to this spot I had the whole place to myself. I found a large flat rock in the middle of the stream, rock hopped across and laid down. After closing my eyes my hand found the flowing water and I drifted into the most beautiful, peaceful state. Could have stayed there for hours to be honest. Alas, I knew Dad would be chomping at the bit back at the truck and I reluctantly dragged myself away from what, for a few minutes anyway, was my own private paradise!

Tuesday saw me feeling even seedier! So had a quiet day, mostly spent lying on my mattress in the tent. Did venture out got a stroll into town, but that made me feel even less human.

Wednesday – moving day, off to Coles Bay. A nice easy drive down the coast allowed for beautiful views – the road unwilling to leave the embrace of its watery lover. Several small towns were passed until we reached Coles Bay – wow, spectacular is an understatement! We stayed at another Big 4 park with a ripper camping site, mind you there didn’t seem to be too many dodgy ones in this park.

Our first excursion took us to Swansea, visible across the water from Coles Bay – but needing a 50km road trip to get to. A quaint little town with a beautiful waterfront. Spent a little while here trying to convince the pesky gulls that we were not a source of scraps. We then headed to 9 Mile Beach (sorry metric snobs – that’s what it’s called!). A thin peninsula separating The Great Oyster Bay from King and Pelican Bays. Obviously a lot of holiday shacks are located along one of the most pristine beaches you will find anywhere – and guess what, they was hardly a single person on it. Had a very relaxing stroll and paddle (not feeling well enough for a swim).

After a shitty night’s sleep – Thursday arrived. Not feeling brilliant, not listening to his body this BDOB pushed through pain and discomfort and headed to Freycinet National Park to take in the views of Wineglass Bay. A fairly taxing 45 minute ascent saw two very puffed blokes reach the lookout to be presented with stunning views. The trip down was significantly easier and quicker – a zip line down would have been so much fun!!

We the headed to Bicheno where there is this fairly spectacular blowhole. Dad also raved about his fish and chip lunch (BDOB on a liquid only- no % allowed either – diet atm). Feeling seedy hit the hay early.

Friday – moving day. Went to Launceston – easy peasy drive across the middle of Tasmania. Quiet and quick.

Then ….

Disaster.

Launceston Hospital. Pancreatitis. 1cm x 1cm gall stone stuck in duct between liver and pancreas (even though I don’t have a f**king gall bladder anymore – go figure). Surgery. Recovered for a few days. Big shout out though to the truly amazing staff at Launceston General Hospital – you did a fantastic job of getting this BDOB back on the road!

Til next time!